First Stop service for charity and community leaders in Oxfordshire

Leading a charity or community group is undoubtedly rewarding, but it comes with a unique set of challenges. The journey is rarely smooth, and leaders often find themselves navigating unexpected operational decisions, team redeployment, funding issues and critical strategic choices that shape the future of their organisations and the communities they serve.

Recognising the inherent demands of charity leadership, two of Oxfordshire’s key charity and community group support organisations, Charity Mentors Oxfordshire and Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action, OCVA, have come together to offer First Stop - a first and single point of contact for charity and community group leaders seeking guidance, support and information.

Charity leaders include CEOs, senior managers or board chairs of charities, community groups or social enterprises in Oxfordshire.

What is First Stop?

If you are a charity leader looking for some extra support, First Stop offers you a free, confidential meeting to discuss your current challenges. You might need training for you or your staff, want help with formulating and implementing policies, have concerns about governance, or need assistance with developing a strategic plan.  This service is designed to help you access the most appropriate sources of support, without having to navigate through multiple different organisations.

How to book a First Stop appointment

You can book an online, confidential meeting with a senior representative from Charity Mentors Oxfordshire and OCVA on one of the dates below.  Appointments are for 30 minutes, with a 12pm or 12.30pm start time.  To book your appointment, please email info@charitymentors.org

2025 First Stop appointment dates

  • Tuesday, April 15th

  • Tuesday, May 20th

  • Tuesday, June 17th

  • Tuesday, July 15th

  • Tuesday, September 16th

  • Tuesday, October 21st

  • Tuesday, November 18th

“This is a great service. By accessing the combined expertise of OCVA and Charity Mentors Oxfordshire, I was able to get targeted support and guidance in a quick and efficient way, and all in complete confidence. Highly recommend.”

CEO, Oxfordshire charity